[Apr. 2024] Berat, Albania, which is included in the World Heritage Site, is divided into two levels, and the famous “1000 Windows” can be seen in Mangalem on the lower level.
After dropping off our luggage at the hotel, we went there on an evening tour.
First, we visited the King’s Mosque (also called the Sultan Mosque), which is a little distance away from the 1000 Windows.
This mosque was built at the end of the 15th century and is said to be one of the oldest in Albania.
We took off our shoes before going in.
Although it is an old building, it was covered with new carpets, making it easy to walk around.
The highlight here is the ceiling.
It is made of wood and has a beautiful geometric pattern mainly in red.
Looking up at the ceiling, we can see the women’s space on the upper floor.
The balustrade here also has a beautiful curve that is lovely to see.
One of the tour participants asked our guide, Giorgio, “Why are women at the back?” and he replied, “Because when men see women’s butts, they get turned on.”
I’ve heard a similar explanation in Turkey, so it must be true.
The big problem is that the creator God put too much effort into preserving the human species.
I think the world would be a lot more peaceful if this didn’t happen.
Across the square from this mosque is a building called Ahmed Pasha Tekke, which we also entered.
According to Giorgio, most Muslims in Albania are Sunni, but there are also Shiites, and this is a place for Shiite monks to pray.
“It’s where monks who are high on drugs dance to music” (Giorgio), so it’s probably similar to the whirling Sufi monks we saw in Turkey.
I’m sure believers would be angry if they heard Giorgio’s explanation, though.
The ceiling here is also very beautiful.
It is light green, which I was told is the “colour of Islam.”
Apparently, some old houses have similar ceilings in the guest rooms.
There was also a upper floor here, but it was for musicians, not women.
Apparently, women were not allowed in this building.
There was also the remain of a caravanserai at the back of the square.
We didn’t go inside, though.
